UD Arena renovation: 7 big changes and when they're happening

Work on a $72 million renovation of UD Arena is already underway. The project is being completed in three phases to not disrupt regular season Flyers or NCAA basketball tournament games.

Here’s what to expect over the next few years as the arena nears its 50th anniversary in 2019, the year work on the 13,455-seat venue is expected to be finished:

New seating: All of the seats will be replaced. A majority will be fabric-covered with both seat and back padding.

Some of the new seats in the lower bowl will sport a leather look. Seats in the 300 and 400 levels forego back padding but represent an improvement with seat padding. About 400 seats — about 3 percent of total capacity — will be affected by the changes. Americans with Disabilities Act seating will increase from 46 to 78.

Climate control: Air conditioning will be installed and alleviate a long complaint of fans. The addition will also give UD the opportunity to host events in the summer.

Team store, improved restrooms: Encircling the venue will be a full, branded concourse with a new main lobby and team store, and restrooms, which include an 80 percent increase in toilets and sinks for women.

New sights, better sounds: A new scoreboard and LED ribbon boards installed along with enhanced audio systems.

Terrace suites: Four concourse-level terrace suites will extend from the corners of the arena toward the court.

Club seat changes: Flanking the sidelines between the 200/300 sections will be new club seats backed by two lounges for the exclusive use of club seat ticket holders.

Room with a view: High in the 400s on the on east side of the arena will be a new gathering area loaded with televisions. The area, accessible by elevator, will be lined with windows overlooking the Great Miami River.

Tentative construction schedule:

2017-18 

• New 100 and 200 level seats with cup holders and handrails

• Upgrade courtside and press seating areas

• Updated and added Americans with Disabilities Act seating

• New four-sided, center-hung video board

• New LED ribbon boards on the fascia of Spectrum Flight Deck and suites

• Move TV broadcast area from southeast to northeast corner

• Upgrade arena bowl audio system and broadcast infrastructure

• Install platforms for the new four corner terrace suites

• Upgrade arena infrastructure and dewatering pumps

• Begin exterior structures for future phases

2018-19

• New concourse and 300/400 level seats

• New south and west entrances and elevator and stairs to event level

• New renovated event level locker rooms and training room

• New VIP parking and entrance

• New media room and press conference area

• Added and upgraded restrooms, concession stands and merchandise locations

• Corner video boards moved and turned toward 300/400 level

• Upgrade arena infrastructure and ADA seating

• New court lighting and improved arena wifi

2019-20 

• New concourse and 300/400 level seats

• New club seats between 200/300 levels and addition of concourse clubs

• New four-corner terrace suites

• Added and upgraded restrooms and concession stands

• Updated and added ADA seating

• New main ticket box office/lobby and team store

• New elevator to 400 level terrace (Eastside only)

• New exterior design with upgraded lighting and landscaping

• Upgrade arena infrastructure and climate controlled seating bowl

• Complete 360-degree concourse renovation with updated finishes and branding

 Source: University of Dayton

About the Authors